Kitchen Cosmetics: The Japanese Zen Facial (Green Tea and Kelp)

This article is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission.

   Japanese Green TeaKelp (konbu or kombu)

Note: Don’t make or use homemade cosmetics if allergic to any of the ingredients. Work clean: mixing bowls, utensils, hands and storage jars all need to be spotless. Small jam jars and lids which can be boiled are ideal. Store homemade cosmetics in the fridge; they don’t contain the preservatives and antimicrobials of commercial products. Use clean hands or a clean spoon to remove mixtures from containers. Don’t use on broken or irritated skin or near the eyes.

Ingredients:

*1 tsp (or 1 teabag) high-quality green tea without added flavouring. Best purchased in an Asian shop. Choose either a Chinese or Japanese type.

*1 c water just off the boil

*1 square kelp (konbu or kombu) about 2 in/5 cm on a side. This is generally available in a whole food or Asian shop.

Preparation:

Steep the tea in the freshly-boiled water in a glass or ceramic cup. Let stand a few minutes until warm (not hot).

In the mean time, wipe the surface of the piece of kelp with a damp cloth. Break or cut the kelp (with sharp scissors) into small shreds. Use a spice grinder (or food processor)  to grind the kelp to a powder. A few large particles won’t really matter.

Add the kelp to the warm green tea and mix well. Let the Jpnese Zen Facial mixture stand until the kelp has softened. Stir occasionally. The Japanese Zen Green Tea  and  Kelp Facial is ready to use when it’s at room temperature.

To Use:

Clean the face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. Rinse well. Apply the Japanese Zen Green Tea and Kelp Facial with the hands, a clean washcloth or cotton balls. Cover the fac e, neck and decolletage. Avoid the eye area. The Facial can get messy; do this in the bath. Sit back and relax for 15 minutes.

Rinse off the Japanese Zen Green Tea and Kelp Facial with lukewarm water. Blot dry. Apply a gentle moisturiser.

More Kitchen Cosmetics:

Bath Fizzers

Unscented Almond Scrub

Learn more: Zen

    Japanese Raku tea bowl